First principles. The writing process: preparation for writing - finding a topic, writing drafts. Kinds of writing: qualities of the good essay; concluding remarks on an essay. Making arguments: making a good argument paper; arguments in various disciplines; the rhetoric of argument; arrangement of arguments; logical fallacies; concluding remarks on argument. Paragraphs: the structure of paragraphs; unity and disunity in the paragraph and essay; transitions between paragraphs; length of paragraphs; concluding remarks on paragraphs. Fundamental principles of sentences: writing good sentences; concluding remarks on sentences. Avoiding wordiness: common problems of wordiness. Good diction: principles of good diction; some lively problems in usage. Figurative language: similes and metaphors; other forms of figurative language; cliches; conclusion. False rules and what is true about them: common false rules; concluding remarks on false rules. Grammar and mechanics. Appendix: cliches.